Diabetes-related deaths across Chhattisgarh are rising at an alarming rate, with the disease responsible for nearly one-tenth (10.5%) of medically certified deaths in 2025. Over the last decade (2016-2025), Chhattisgarh has reported an increase of more than 43.8% in deaths caused by diabetes. At present, after heart stroke, cancer, tuberculosis, and vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, and others), diabetes has emerged as one of the leading causes of death in State. Often described as a ‘silent killer,’ diabetes is increasingly being linked to fatal complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, and several other health problems, according to the ‘Medical Certification of Causes of Deaths 2025’ report released recently. In 2025, Chhattisgarh reported more than 250 deaths due to diabetes, compared to 215 deaths in 2024 and 190 deaths in 2023.

 

With every passing year, State is witnessing a steady increase in diabetes-related fatalities. The report also revealed that 169 people in the state lost their vision due to diabetes, while 103 patients are undergoing dialysis following kidney failure caused by the disease. It is noteworthy that nearly 40% of diabetes-related deaths occur among people aged 55 years and above, with men disproportionately affected, accounting for 56% of the fatalities. The report described the trend in diabetes-related deaths over the past decade as ‘upward and significant,’ indicating that the disease is shifting from being considered a manageable metabolic disorder to becoming a major contributor to mortality in State. The findings further stated that diabetes rarely acts alone and gradually affects the functioning of other organs in the body. Many patients suffering from diabetes have also developed severe complications such as kidney failure, heart stroke, and disabilities affecting organs like the eyes and legs. In Chhattisgarh, diabetes has now become a common ailment across all districts and divisions.

 

Apart from senior citizens, the disease is increasingly affecting children and teenagers as well. Dr S K Bahadur, a diabetic consultant, said that diabetes is also contributing to complications during pregnancy, with several women losing their babies during childbirth due to diabetes-related issues. Health experts warned that diabetes is not merely about elevated blood sugar levels. It significantly increases the risk of life-threatening complications, and people should not take the disease lightly. Dr Sanjeev Meshram, In-charge Deputy Director of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke, stated that people with a family history of diabetes should undergo regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, and adopt healthy lifestyle practices to help control blood sugar levels.